title: Beliefs, stigma and discrimination associated with mental health problems in Uganda: implications for theory and practice.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There are major gaps in knowledge about beliefs, stigma and discrimination in Uganda, including the relationship between different cultural beliefs and stigmatising responses, how stigma and beliefs result in discrimination and the impact of social factors such as gender, poverty and ethnic conflict.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This exploratory study aims to understand beliefs, stigma and discrimination associated with mental health in Uganda in more depth from the perspectives of different stakeholders.
  
  
  METHODS
  Focus groups and interviews were undertaken with mental health activists, policymakers, practitioners, non-governmental and human rights organisations, journalists and academics.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Stigma was reported by individuals, families, communities and institutions, including health services. The study also found stigmatising beliefs linked to traditional, religious and medical explanatory frameworks, high levels of 'associated stigma', common mental health problems rarely medicalised and discrimination linked to poverty, gender and conflict.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings suggest the need to address stigma in their cultural and social context, alongside other human rights initiatives.
authors.affiliation: School of Applied Social Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK Neil.quinn@strath.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Neil
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Quinn
authors.affiliation: School of Applied Social Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: Lee
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Knifton
mesh_terms: D001294:Attitude to Health; D003469:Culture; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D008605:Mental Health Services; D011203:Poverty / Q000523:psychology; D011287:Prejudice / Q000523:psychology; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013240:Stereotyping; D014454:Uganda / Q000453:epidemiology
keywords: Uganda; beliefs; mental health; stigma